After the rescue, Lopez was fired on grounds he'd broken a company rule by leaving his section of the beach.

Jeff Ellis, head of the company that provides lifeguarding services at Hallandale Beach, said Lopez was fired too quickly, and that no area of the beach was left unattended while he went to assist a distressed swimmer, according to the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.

"I am of the opinion that the supervisors acted hastily," Ellis told the newspaper.

Lopez said he was offered an apology by Jeff Ellis Management and the chance to return to work, but that he would prefer to pursue other opportunities instead.

"It's not out of spite or anything like that," Lopez said. "It's not that I dislike the company. It's just I'd rather continue on in my life, finish my schooling, and get on with my life. And find another job."

Ellis also offered to rehire two other lifeguards terminated for supporting Lopez's actions, in addition to four who resigned in support of Lopez, according to a spokesman for the City of Hallandale Beach.

Hallandale Beach Mayor Renee Crichton said it has always been the city's policy that a lifeguard must respond to an emergency inside or outside of their protected area.

"The city would like to commend the actions of Mr. Lopez and the other Good Samaritans that came to the aid of our near-drowning victim," he said.